US20080021748A1 - System and Method for Providing Travel-Related Products and Services - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for presenting travel-related products and services to be used by a traveler. A global distribution service maintains records associated with travelers. Each record corresponds to a traveler and contains information corresponding to a destination for that traveler, along with a date or dates corresponding to that destination. The invention receives the record or information contained in the record from the global distribution service for an associated traveler indicating the traveler's destination and corresponding date. Based on the received information, the invention automatically requests travel-related products and services from a number of providers corresponding to the destination and date. The invention then generates a list of the travel-related products and service for purchase by an agent or the traveler for use by the traveler.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY
• The present application claims the benefit of the U.S. provisional application filed on Apr. 20, 2006 by Bay et al. for System for Providing Travel-Related Products and Services (Ser. No. 60/793,417), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates to a system integrated with a global distribution service to provide destination and travel-related information, products, and services specific to a traveler's potential or previously-selected destination or destinations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• In the past, travelers had to contact an airline, hotel, or other travel service provider directly in order to purchase plane tickets, hotel rooms, etc. The creation of travel agencies provided travelers with the ability to contact one entity to purchase airplane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel necessities. These travel agencies then began to branch out and simultaneously get quotes and options from several airlines and hotel chains to provide travelers with competitive options.
• During this time, different airlines collaborated and created companies known as global distribution services (“GDS”). The collaborating airlines then turned over their inventory to the GDS. At that point, one GDS could provide flight inventory and availability with regards to several airlines at one time. Anyone requesting information would no longer be required to directly contact each airline individually. Soon thereafter, hotel chains and other travel service providers began using these GDSs or created comparable services of their own.
• Since this time, companies have created systems allowing agents, and eventually the traveler, to search GDS and other inventories online and book desired travel-related products and services, such as airplane tickets and hotel rooms. Examples of websites providing such services to the traveler include www.orbitz.com, www.travelocity.com, and www.priceline.com. When an agent or a traveler selects and purchases a travel-related product or service, the corresponding GDS generates a “passenger-name-record,” or PNR. A PNR contains the entire information of the traveler's transaction including such items as the passenger's name, destination, the name of the service provider, etc. For example, if a traveler purchased a roundtrip plane ticket from Atlanta, Georgia to New York, New York, a PNR would be generated for the trip. The PNR would include the passenger's name, the name of the airline, and other items, such as whether the passenger has requested a kosher meal or a window seat. PNRs are stored and maintained by the GDS supplying the inventory of the travel-related items, to which the PNRs correspond. Other travel-service providers, which can include hotel chains, using services comparable to GDSS, store traveler transactions in records similar to PNRs.
• Additional systems have been created to provide travelers, either directly or through a travel agent, with information regarding travel conditions, weather, local restaurants, etc. corresponding to a specific destination. Those and other systems provide travelers or their agents with information regarding attractions and events at specific locations. Recently, systems have been created to allow a traveler or his agent to purchase tickets and admissions in advance to these attractions and events occurring during a traveler's visit to a specific destination. In order to purchase these tickets in advance, the traveler or his agent is required to provide such a system with a destination and time in order to determine which attractions and events are available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing considerations, and others, of prior art construction and methods. In one aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for presenting travel-related products for use by a traveler where data that identifies a traveler is transmitted to a global distribution service. Based on that data, a record that includes a destination and a corresponding date is accessed at the global distribution service. A list is automatically generated of travel-related products corresponding to the destination and corresponding date from the record.
• According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a network of computers including a first computer maintained by a global distribution service that maintains a record corresponding to a traveler. The record includes a destination and a corresponding date. The network also includes a second computer configured to maintain an inventory of travel-related products and services on a memory included in the computer. Additionally, the network includes a third computer operatively connected to the other two computers. The first computer is configured to transmit data that includes a destination and a corresponding date to the third computer. The third computer is configured to automatically request a list of travel-related products and services from the second computer where the list of products and services correspond to the destination and corresponding date.
• A further aspect of the present invention provides a system and method for extracting a destination and corresponding date from a record maintained by a global distribution service where that record corresponds to a traveler; for automatically requesting travel-related products and services from a plurality of providers of travel-related products and services, where the request is based on the destination and corresponding date; responsively generating a list of travel-related products and services; and reserving a travel-related product or service for the traveler from the list.
• In another aspect, there is provided a record maintained by a global distribution service. The record corresponds to a traveler and contains a destination and corresponding date. A first memory contains an inventory of travel-related products and services. A processor operatively connected to the global distribution service and in communication with the memory is configured to receive the destination and corresponding date of the record from the global distribution service and automatically request a list of travel-related products and services from the inventory based on the destination and corresponding date.
• In one aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for generating a list of travel-related products and services corresponding to an input provided by a user, where the input includes at least a destination and a date; purchasing a travel-related product or service from the list, where the product or service corresponds to the destination and date; creating a record maintained by a global distribution service that includes data representative of the purchase of the travel-related product or service that includes the destination and date; extracting the destination and date from the record; and automatically generating another list of travel-related products and services based on the destination and date from the record.
• According to another aspect, the present invention also provides an inventory control system and method for managing an inventory of travel-related products offered by a provider for use by a traveler that includes an electronic network, a first processor operatively connected to the network, a memory in communication with the processor and capable of storing data representative of the inventory, and a display operatively connected to the network. The processor is configured to receive data from the provider over the network that's representative of a travel-related product or service, add the data to the memory, transmit the data to the display, receive other data representative of payment information for the purchase of the product or service, create a voucher corresponding to the payment information and the travel-related product or service that contains a validation code, and transmit the voucher to the traveler.
• A further aspect of the present invention provides a computer program embodied in a tangible medium that presents travel-related products for use by a traveler. The computer program transmitting data capable of identifying the traveler to a global distribution service, receiving at least a portion of a record maintained by the global distribution service that corresponds to said traveler, where the portion of the record includes a destination and a date, and automatically generating a list of travel-related products and services based on the destination and date.
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 3 through 6 show web interface components of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts of a method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 10 illustrates a web interface of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
• Referring toFIG. 1, asystem1 of the present invention is located on at least onecomputer48 which communicates with at least onedatabase50. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the information contained indatabase50 can be located on a separate computer or can be located oncomputer48.System1 is operatively connected to a global distribution service (“GDS”)44 and at least onetravel partner46 via anetwork52, such as the global computer network known as the Internet. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art thatcomputer48 can be any of a multiple of various computers or servers capable of sending and receiving information overnetwork52. One skilled in the art will also recognize thatsystem1 can be connected to other providers of travel-related services (collectively denoted at47) and other travel websites (collectively denoted at49). An agent or traveler can accesssystem1 through a web browser program running on the user'scomputer42. In the current example,system1 is a web application running oncomputer48. It should be understood to one skilled in the art, however, thatsystem1 can easily be converted into a standalone program that can be accessed overnetwork52 from user'scomputer42 or can be installed directly on user'scomputer42.
• FIG. 2 is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the operation and use ofsystem1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method is described generally here with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 to aid understanding and in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 3 through 6. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, whether the user is an agent or a traveler determines which path is accessed as shown atinitial step10. If the user is an agent, he will generally have a program running on hiscomputer42 that allows the agent to reserve and order travel-related items for the agent's customers. Most of these agent programs have been converted to web-based applications. Regardless of whether the agent's program is web-based or a standalone application, it will have a section connected tosystem1 oncomputer48 via network communications. The agent initiates this section by selecting a “destination tab” within the program atstep12.
• If the agent has already reserved or purchased a travel-related product or service (such as an airline ticket) for the agent's customer, a “passenger-name-record” (“PNR”) has already been generated byGDS44 and is active atstep16. As discussed above, this PNR or PNRs include information corresponding to the products or services purchased or reserved for the agent's customer. In this case, the application running on the agent'scomputer42 is aware that a PNR is active and transmits this acknowledgment tosystem1. It should be understood to one skilled in the art that other products and services may also have been purchased from other providers, such asprovider47, that have created a record similar to the PNR generated byGDS44. For ease of understanding, it should be understood that discussion ofGDS44 and the related PNRs is meant to includeproviders47 and their equivalent records, respectively.
• If a PNR is active, process flow continues to step24, wheresystem1 requests the active PNR fromGDS44 and extracts the relevant information corresponding to the traveler's destination(s), including the scheduled dates the traveler will visit the extracted destination(s).System1 retrieves information fromdatabase50 and other travel partners, such astravel partner46, corresponding to the destination(s) and date(s) extracted from the active PNR. This information can include general facts about the destination(s), maps, travel guides, products, services, etc. A product list is then populated including all the information retrieved fromdatabase50 andtravel partners46. A web interface corresponding to step24 is depicted byFIG. 3 and will be discussed in detail below. Atstep26, the agent has the ability to transmit an interface similar to the one created for the agent atstep24 via an electronic mail message to the traveler. The web interface that allows the agent to email a destination-specific list to the traveler is illustrated byFIG. 5 and will be discussed in detail below.
• Returning to step10, if the user is the traveler herself, the web browser running on the user'scomputer42 will accesssystem1 via a travel-related website atstep14. This website can be provided bywebsite49,travel partner46,system1, or any other entity offering travel-related information. At this point, the traveler may be accessing this website for the first time, may have purchased travel-related items from this website in the past, or may currently be purchasing travel-related items. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the functionality ofsystem1 can be incorporated into practically any website. These websites may include the ability to verify a return customer who has purchased travel-related products or services. This ability to remember prior customers may be through the use of cookies, a login prompt, etc. The use of such verification options should be understood to those skilled in the art and are, therefore, not discussed in further detail. In a manner similar to the process described above with respect to the use ofsystem1 by an agent, the website will also include a section connected tosystem1 and directed to additional travel-related products or services.
• If the traveler purchases a travel-related product or service from the website during the current visit to the website or has purchased an item during a previous visit and her identity has been verified, the application hosting the website will have access to the purchased item's information. When the traveler activates the section of the current website connected tosystem1, the application hosting the website determines atstep18 whether the current traveler has already purchased or reserved a travel-related item and transmits this information tosystem1. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that activation of the website's section connected bysystem1 can be through an HTML form, a hyperlink, a URL redirection, an email, etc. In the same manner as described above with respect to the process followed by the agent, if the traveler has already purchased a travel-related product or service, the information has been transmitted toGDS44, which has generated a PNR corresponding to the traveler's transaction. Process flow then continues to step16, where the application hosting the website transmits the acknowledgement that there is an active PNR associated to the current traveler.System1 requests this PNR fromGDS44 and extracts the relevant information corresponding to the traveler's destination(s), including the planned travel dates. As described above,system1 retrieves information fromdatabase50 and other travel partners, such astravel partner46, corresponding to the destination(s) and date(s) extracted from the active PNR. A product list is populated including all the retrieved information, products, services, etc. atstep24. The web interface available to the traveler displaying this list is illustrated byFIG. 4 and will be discussed in greater detail below.
• Alternatively, the web interface described immediately above can also be presented in the form of an email transmitted directly to the traveler either from the agent or, in some cases, directly fromsystem1 as described above with reference to step26. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that the web interface as described above, and which will be described in more detail below with respect toFIG. 4, can be transmitted via an electronic mail message without deviating from the form, functionality, and/or operation of the interface. This email interface includes the list populated atstep24 by the agent orsystem1. If the web interface is transmitted directly to the traveler in the form of an electronic mail message, the traveler omitssteps10 through26 and proceeds directly to step28 discussed below.
• Referring again toFIGS. 1 and 2,step20 is reached if there is not an active PNR related to the traveler created either by the traveler or the traveler's agent as discussed above. Using the web interface of the agent's application or the travel-related website visited by the traveler, the traveler or agent selects a destination. Atstep22, the traveler or agent selects the dates during which the traveler is scheduled to visit the destination selected atstep20. Upon completion,system1 uses the selected date(s) and destination to create a list of additional travel-related information, products, services, etc. atstep24 retrieved fromdatabase50 and travel partners, such astravel partner46. As described above, examples of the populated list included in web interfaces are illustrated byFIGS. 3 and 4 related to the web interface used by the agent and the traveler, respectively.
• Atstep26, the agent (or the traveler in certain instances) has the option of emailing an interface that includes the list populated with travel-related information, products, services, etc. specific to the traveler's destination(s) as discussed above. The agent emails the destination-specific list using the interface illustrated byFIG. 5 discussed below.
• Atstep28, destination-specific products and services can be selected directly by the traveler or indirectly for the traveler by the agent using any of the interfaces that include the populated lists discussed above. The traveler's contact and payment information is entered into the web interface to reserve or purchase the travel-related items, as indicated atstep30. The details related to this transaction are transmitted bysystem1 to travelpartner46 responsible for the purchased travel-related item.System1 then formats the transaction details as a PNR atstep34 and transmits the PNR toGDS44 atstep36. This PNR includes information corresponding to the purchased item and the traveler.GDS44 can store this PNR or add the information contained therein to the traveler's active PNR if desired. Atstep38, the transaction details are emailed to the agent and/or the traveler depending on the traveler's preferences. Similarly, atstep40, the documents and/or products corresponding to the travel-related items purchased for or by the traveler are shipped to the agent and/or traveler (again depending on the traveler's preferences). It should be understood that shipping can include transmission of an electronic mail message for items whose purchase are only evidenced by documents or confirmation numbers.
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary web interface of the agent's application connected tosystem1 as described above. As shown, anagent identification section60 displays information corresponding to the current agent. A recordlocator identification section62 displays a record locator, which corresponds to and identifies the active or open PNR. A drop-down box63 lists other destinations available to the agent. Drop-down boxes and their operation should be understood to those skilled in the art. Selecting drop-down box63 displays a list of additional destinations that the agent can select to view additional travel-related information, products, services, etc. related to those destinations. Aselection box64 displays all destinations related to the record locator listed insection62 and the active PNR. Two quick link sections (collectively denoted at66) display categories of additional travel-related products and services that can be purchased for the selected destination.Sections66 include multiple hyperlinks (collectively denoted at67) that each correspond to a category of travel-related products and services that can be purchased related to the chosen destination. Hyperlinks and their operation should be understood by those skilled in the art and, therefore, are not discussed in more detail.
• Alabel70 identifies the currently-selected destination and apicture section68 displays a photograph related to the destination. Atext section72 displays general information related to the selected destination. Aweather section74 displays current weather conditions for the selected destination. In another embodiment,section74 alternatively or in addition displays weather conditions expected during the dates when the traveler will visit the selected destination as indicated in the related PNR.
• Acity guide section76 displays a list of categories related to travel information of the selected destination.City guide section76 includes various categories such as hotels and lodging, shopping, sights and activities, nightlife, restaurants, etc. Each category contains travel information useful to a traveler expected to visit the selected destination. Numerous hyperlinks (collectively denoted at77) are listed below each category incity guide section76.Hyperlinks77 correspond to additional categories under the main categories discussed above.
• Activation of either of two report hyperlinks (collectively denoted at78) displays an additional web interface illustrated byFIG. 6 (discussed in more detail below). Two email guide hyperlinks (collectively denoted at79) provide the agent with the ability to email the guide for the current destination to the traveler. Activation ofemail guide hyperlinks79 displays an additional web interface illustrated byFIG. 5 (discussed in more detail below). This web interface may also include a currency converter that allows the user to convert of currency values to a number of different foreign currencies and vice versa.
• Selecting a different destination from the list displayed inselection box64 will reload the web interface. When the web interface reloads,system1 retrieves travel-related information, products, and services corresponding to the newly selected destination fromdatabase50 and travel partners, such astravel partner46, in a manner identical to that described above with respect to step24 (FIG. 2).
• FIG. 4 illustrates a web interface to be used by the traveler that can be integrated with a travel-related website, emailed to the traveler, or provided as a standalone application. Asection61 displays information corresponding to the manner in which the traveler received the interface. This can include the agent or agency that emailed the interface to the traveler or the website the traveler visited that provides a component connected tosystem1, as described above. The remaining features and their corresponding functions indicated bynumerals63 through77 inFIG. 4 are identical to the corresponding features described above with respect toFIG. 3.
• Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, the agent or traveler can examine information related to local restaurants, comedy clubs, theatres, etc. located in or near the selected destination by choosing the corresponding hyperlink from amonghyperlinks77. Activating any one ofhyperlinks77 transfers the agent or the traveler to a web interface that may be otherwise identical but which has replacedsection76 with other categories and detailed information corresponding to the agent or traveler's hyperlink selection. For example, if the agent or traveler selects the “Asian” hyperlink under the “Restaurant” category, the agent or traveler would be directed to an otherwise similar interface listing available restaurants serving Asian cuisine in or near the selected destination.
• As described above,sections66 list travel-related products and services related to the specific destination that can be purchased for or by the traveler. For examples,sections66 may include items such as concert tickets, sporting events tickets, airport parking and shuttle passes, and other items. These items are available for purchase from various travel partners, such astravel partner46. When the agent or traveler selects any one of thehyperlinks67,system1 connects to and retrieves the corresponding product information from each travel partner (e.g.,46) that provides a product or service matching the agent or traveler's selection and the dates for which the traveler will visit the selected destination. For example, a particular musical group may be performing in the destination on a night which the PNR indicates the traveler will be in town. That concert may show up as an available option for ticket purchase if “concert tickets” is selected. Other concerts, such as concerts for cities not listed in the PNR or for destination city concerts on dates not listed in the PNR, are preferably not displayed. The agent or traveler is then able to select from the list of available products or services matching the agent or traveler's selection.
• Once the agent or traveler selects a specific product or service, a form (not shown) within the web interface is provided to allow the agent or traveler to purchase or reserve the travel-related item. The agent or traveler then purchases or reserves the item by entering the traveler's contact and payment information into the form. System1 (FIG. 1) processes the request as described above with respect tosteps32 through40 ofFIG. 2. The use of forms and web interfaces to input and transmit product and payment information from one system to another using a network, such as the internet, facilitating the purchase of items should be understood to one skilled in the art. The traveler uses the items or documents sent to him to gain admission to or make use of the purchased event, service, or product.
• FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary web interface used by the agent to send the interface including the populated list described above with reference tosteps24 and26 ofFIG. 2 as an electronic mail message. Referring toFIG. 5, features indicated bynumbers60 through79, as well as their corresponding functions, are identical to the corresponding features described with respect toFIG. 3. The web interface illustrated inFIG. 5 contains a form that includes the following elements: a label80, arecipient textbox82, arecipient email textbox84, acomment box86, anagent textbox88, anagent email textbox90, anagent phone textbox92, and a submit “button”94.
• Label80 identifies the destination corresponding to the populated list to be included in the interface transmitted in the electronic mail message. The agent enters the traveler's name inrecipient textbox82 and the traveler's email address inrecipient email textbox84. The agent can enter any additional comments, instructions, or information incomment box86 to be included in the electronic mail message to be sent to the traveler. The agent enters his or her name inagent textbox88, his or her email address inagent email textbox90, and optionally his or her telephone number inagent phone textbox92. When the agent presses (i.e., clicks on) submitbutton94, the web interface containing the populated list related to the destination listed inselection box64 and label80 is transmitted in an electronic mail message to the email address listed inrecipient email textbox84. The electronic mail message is addressed to the traveler's name listed inrecipient textbox82 and is sent from the email address listed inagent email textbox90 of the agent listed inagent textbox88. The additional information listed intextboxes86 and92 are optionally included in the electronic mail message. The traveler can use the emailed web interface to view selections and make purchases as described above.
• FIG. 6 illustrates the web interface used by the agent to track travel-related items purchased by the agent for travelers. Areport box98 displays a list of all travel-related items purchased by the agent during a certain time period. This list includes details related to each purchased item, such as a description, total amount, the corresponding record locator (PNR), the date purchased, etc. The agent can alter the time period of the related items displayed inreport box98 by selecting an alternate time period from atime dropdown box96.Report box98 will then reflect the travel-related items purchased by the agent corresponding to the new time period selected fromdropdown box96.
• In another embodiment shown inFIG. 7,system1 includes at least oneapplication server48 connected to at least onedatabase server50.System1 is operatively connected to (e.g., in communication with over a network)GDS44 and at least onetravel partner46.System1 andGDS44 are operatively connected to a number of travel agents represented byagent100.System1,GDS44, andagent100 are operatively connected to at least onedistribution partner102.Distribution partners102, along withsystem1 andagent100, are operatively connected to a number of users represented byuser104. Optionally, at least onefinancial intermediary106 is operatively connected tosystem1,GDS44,travel partners46,agent100, anddistribution partners102.
• In operation,agent100 reviews travel-related inventory, such as airline seats and hotel rooms, provided byGDS44 ordistribution partners102 using a website or other electronic means, such as a software program located on the agent's computer. For ease of understanding, such a website or software program used byagent100 will be referred to as an “agent program” and is operatively connected tosystem1,GDS44,distribution partners102, or any combination thereof. Similar to other embodiments,GDS44 is a global distribution service that manages inventory for a number of different travel product and service providers, such as a conglomerate of airline partners.Distribution partners102 may include providers and/or aggregators of various other travel-related products and services, additional providers associated with GDS44 (and/or other global distribution partners), or even other global distribution partners themselves. For example,distribution partners102 may include a hotel chain, a venue that provides tickets to various concerts it hosts, or an entity that provides a collection of information representative of other travel-related products, such as a number of hotel chains, additional airlines, or car rental agencies. The agent program retrieves this travel-related inventory fromGDS44 and/ordistribution partners102 viasystem1. An aggregator of travel-related products and services is an entity that gathers information regarding the travel-related products and services from a number of providers, each offering one or more travel-related products and services, or from other aggregators.
• Travel partners46 include entities that provide additional travel-related information, products, and services, including information about and tickets to attractions, dining, and events of various destinations. Likewise,database servers50 contain additional data representative of travel-related information, products, and services offered by other entities, such as local tour guides. The agent program supplies this information fromdatabase servers50 andtravel partners46 toagent100 viasystem1. For example,agent100 inputs a destination and a date into the agent program, which retrieves available products, services, and information specific to the destination and travel dates fromGDS44,distribution partners102,database servers50, andtravel partners46.Travel partners46aprovide data to the agent program related to travel services and products, such as concert tickets, city tours, hotels, etc., specific to the destination and travel dates, whiletravel partners46bprovide data to the agent program related to weather conditions, popular attractions, historical monuments, etc., specific to the destination and travel dates. Although the majority of data returned to the agent program will include a list of both products and services, as well as non-purchasable information related to the destination and travel dates, these items are referred to herein as “travel-related products” or “product” for simplicity. Data corresponding to these travel-related products provided bysystem1,GDS44,distribution partners102, andtravel partners46 is generally stored on a computer's memory and most likely arranged as a database or catalog of information.
• Agent100 selects and books one or more travel-related products foruser104 from the list created by the agent program. The data related to the selected product(s) is transmitted by the agent program toGDS44, which formats and stores the information as a PNR (or an update of an existing PNR). The agent program extracts relevant travel information, such as the destination and travel dates, from the active PNR. The agent program then solicits and retrieves additional travel-related products fromdatabase servers50 andtravel partners46 corresponding to the extracted information. These options are presented by the agent program toagent100, who may select and book one or more of the options foruser104. If so, data related to the purchased product is transmitted toGDS44, which adds the data to the active PNR.
• When the agent program extracts relevant travel information from the active PNR, it also preferably generates an email touser104. The email may contain additional travel-related products received fromdatabase servers50 ortravel partners46 corresponding to the user's destination and travel dates. Alternatively, the email may contain a link to a website maintained bysystem1,agent100, ordistribution partners102 that, when visited, displays information about the additional travel-related products specific to the user's destination and travel dates.User104 may then select and purchase one or more of these travel-related products from the email or website. Data representative of any purchased products is transmitted bysystem1 toGDS44, which formats and adds the data to the user's active PNR. At a later time,system1 emails or sends the purchased product or confirmation of the purchased product touser104.
• If there are no active PNRs associated withuser104 at the time he visits a website maintained bysystem1,agent100, ordistribution partners102, the user will be able to review travel-related products provided byGDS44,agent100,distribution partners102,database servers50, andtravel partners46. Ifuser104 purchases a travel-related product, data relevant thereto is transmitted toGDS44, which formats and stores the information as a PNR. Similar to above, an email containing additional travel-related products specific to the user's destination and travel dates as contained in the PNR is then sent touser104. Alternatively, the email may include a link back to the relevant website, which, when visited, providesuser104 with a list of additional travel-related products. Information related to any additional products purchased byuser104 is added to the user's active PNR. Any financial transactions involved in the above process may be handled bysystem1 or by optionalfinancial intermediaries106.
• System1 also includes an application programming interface (“API”), which gives websites, programs, and other systems direct access to the information provided bysystem1. In other words, the API allows outside systems to transmit and receive data to and fromsystem1 without using the websites or programs provided bysystem1 but by using the functions and structures defined by the API instead.Agent100,distribution partners102, andtravel partners46 communicate withsystem1 using the functionality provided by this API. The API offered bysystem1 makes use of extensible markup language (“XML”) methods and schema to transmit and receive data betweensystem1 and any other system accessing the data provided bysystem1. APIs, as well as XML and its syntax, should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
• As an example of the above, a hotel chain operator provides customers with the ability to search availability of its hotel rooms by using its website. A customer uses the website to reserve and book a hotel room for a specific destination and date.System1's API allows the hotel chain operator to access all the travel-related products managed bysystem1 directly, so that when the customer reserves and books a hotel room for a specific destination and date, other travel-related products offered bysystem1,agent100,GDS44,travel partners46, anddistribution partners102 are presented to the customer. Importantly, these options are presented to the customer without the customer leaving the hotel chain's website. Because of the direct connection between the hotel chain's website andsystem1 via its API, the hotel chain may offer and sell a vast amount of additional travel-related products to its customers with minimal inconvenience. Additionally, other aggregators of travel-related products, such as a website offering a varying range of items including airline tickets, hotel rooms, and car rentals, increases the amount of products it offers by using the API ofsystem1.
• Application servers48 also preferably maintain an additional website commonly referred to as a “backend system.” Backend systems should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and it should be appreciated that such a backend system does not have to be available only as a website but may be a standalone program. One function of this backend system is to providetravel partners46 with the ability to transmit data related to their travel-related products tosystem1. It should be understood thattravel partners46 may also provide this data tosystem1 via the functionality of the API.System1 stores the data indatabase servers50.
• Travel partners46 may include providers of travel-related products that do not keep an electronic inventory of their products, that do not have a realistic limit to their inventory, or that do not have access to a computer and/or a method of access tosystem1. As an example, companies providing city tours may not keep an electronic version of their inventory, do not typically exhaust their supply of inventory in most situations, nor might they have electronic access tosystem1. Another function of the backend system described above is not only to give providers such as these the ability to enter data representative of their travel-related products intosystem1, but to usesystem1 as their own inventory control system. In reference toFIGS. 8 and 9 and continuing with the example above,travel partner46, such as a provider of city tours, accessesbackend system108 at110, where the provider logs into the system with a username and password.Travel partner46 can modify its account information at112 or contact customer support at114. Additionally,travel partner46 may view its transaction history at116 and print, view, or download reports at118. In another embodiment with reference toFIG. 9,travel partner46 may validate vouchers at120 as described below.
• As indicated at122,travel partner46 enters data intobackend system108 representative of the travel-related product or products that it offers. In the case of a city tour, for example, this data may include, among other information, the price of the tours, the times of available tours, any family or multiple ticket discounts, and the fact that tour availability is unlimited. This data is stored indatabase servers50 maintained bysystem1 and made available to allsystems accessing system1 as described above.Travel partner46 may also modify and manage previously-entered data and products at122.
• Alternatively, if the city tour provider does not have electronic access tosystem1, the provider contacts a representative ofsystem1 by any suitable means, including by telephone. The provider gives the same information to the representative who enters the data related to the provider's product(s) intobackend system108 ofsystem1.
• Once this data is entered intosystem1, it may be viewed and purchased byagent100 anduser104 via the websites, programs, and processes described above. Additionally, during a nightly process at124,system1 transmits data to travelpartner46 corresponding to any travel-related products offered by the partner that are sold during that day. In the example of the city tour provider, the transmission may include the number of tickets sold, each purchaser's name, the date of the purchased tour, and its price. As noted above,travel partner46 may review historical data related to products sold at116 and can review, print, and/or download corresponding reports at118. As described above,system1 sends a confirmation touser104 either directly or viaagent100 in certain circumstances when a travel-related product is purchased for the user.
• FIG. 9 illustrates aconfirmation126 transmitted bysystem1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.Confirmation126 includes avoucher128 containing avoucher summary page130.Voucher128 may also include a number of additional voucher pages132.Voucher summary page130 may include asummary barcode134 and other information, such as the price paid for the product, the date on which product must be used, and the number of participants.Summary barcode134 includes an identification number that travelpartner46 can use to electronically retrieve data related tovoucher128 fromsystem1. Alternatively, all relevant data is preferably stored insummary barcode134. Voucher pages132 serve as the admission ticket(s) foruser106 and any companions to the associated travel-related product.
• When sent touser104 oragent100,confirmation126 may be included in the body of an email, as an attachment to an email, or viewed on a website from a link included in an email. It should be understood that a number of alternative methods may be used for providingconfirmation126 touser104, such as postal mail, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In this embodiment,confirmation126 includesvoucher128 whenagent100 oruser104 purchases a travel-related product offered bytravel partner46 who usessystem1 to manage its inventory, such as the provider of city tours described above. In this case,system1 handles management and creation ofvoucher128 used by such a provider.
• In operation,user104 receivesvoucher128 and retains it for admission to the purchased travel-related product.User104 presents voucher page(s)132 to travelpartner46 who offers the travel-related product to which the voucher corresponds.Travel partner46 retains the voucher pages and provides the purchased travel-related product touser104. As set forth above, this travel-related product may be any travel item, including a guided tour, admission to an airport lounge, or rental of vacation equipment.Travel partner46 may also scanvoucher barcode134 to acquire information aboutuser104 and/orvoucher128. If additional purchasers are traveling withuser104, each purchaser presents a separate voucher page132.Travel partner46 usesbarcodes136 to confirm thatvoucher128 and any additional voucher pages132 are authentic.
• In order to ensure thattravel partner46 is paid the corresponding fee or commission for sale of its travel-related product, the partner usesbackend system108 ofsystem1.Travel partner46 validates voucher128 (at120 ofFIG. 8) by entering the identification numbers ofvalidation barcodes138 or by scanning the barcodes intobackend system108. Alternatively,travel partner46 returns theactual voucher128 to the operators ofsystem1, via postal mail or any other acceptable method, who handle validation of the voucher. Once the operator ofsystem1 processes the used voucher, payment is made to travelpartner46, deducting any commission due to the operator ofsystem1, a travel agent, or other payee.
• Referring again toFIG. 8,travel partner46 usesbackend system108 to view transaction history at116 and corresponding reports at118. This allowstravel partner46 to review all travel-related products that the partner has sold, that a customer has consumed, for which corresponding vouchers have been validated, and for which the partner has or will be compensated.
• In another embodiment,user104 accesses the products managed bysystem1 using another entry point, such as a system maintained byagent100,GDS44,travel partners46, ordistribution partners102. These systems can use any available means to present the travel-related products managed bysystem1 touser104, such use a website or portions of a website maintained bysystem1 or a website that communicates withsystem1 through the functionality of its API.User104 visits such a website or is directed to the website viaagent100,GDS44,travel partners46, ordistribution partners102 either before or after purchasing a travel-related product.
• FIG. 10 illustrates awebsite140 used byagent100 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that immediately provides any sale's commission to the agent.Website140 includes alist142 of travel-relatedproducts144, which can include almost any item from an airline ticket to a day pass for an airport lounge to a guided safari tour. Each travel-related product is associated with aprice146 and a suggestedprice148.Website140 also includes atoggle button149, alanguage selector150, and a currency selector.
• In operation,agent100reviews list142 onwebsite140 in order to reserve or purchase travel-relatedproducts144 foruser104.Suggested price148 indicates the price suggested bysystem1 thatagent100 should chargeuser104 for the related product.Price146 is theprice system1charges agent100 for the related product's sale, which is calculated by deducting the agent's commission on the product from suggestedprice148. As a result,agent100 immediately collects any commissionable amounts for the product. For example, a tour of New York City may cost fifteen dollars ($15) and include a sale's commission of five dollars ($5) for a total amount of twenty dollars ($20).Website140 displaysprice146 for the tour as fifteen dollars ($15), whereas suggestedprice148 for the tour is displayed as twenty dollars ($20). Ifagent100 charges and collects twenty dollars ($20) for the tour fromuser104, he automatically retains five dollars ($5) as the sale's commission and tenders the remaining fifteen dollars ($15) tosystem1. This can be accomplished by any adequate means, including the transfer of funds electronically. This “net sales” process allowsagent100 to collect its commission faster and also to collect a greater amount of commissions if items are sold above suggestedprice148 thereby maximizing the agent's profit. Activation oftoggle button149 removesprice146, so thatagent106 may showwebsite140 touser104 without disclosing any commission amount the agent will receive for the sale of each travel-relatedproduct144.
• Information and prices onwebsite140 are displayed in the default language and currency foragent100, but may be changed usinglanguage selector150 and a similar currency selector. A user ofwebsite140 may select a desired language from a list of languages contained inlanguage selector150. Likewise, a desired currency may be selected from a currency list contained in the currency selector. Alternatively, information and prices onwebsite140 are displayed in the default language and currency ofuser104. These defaults may be entered byagent100 oruser104, retrieved from any active PNRs for the user, or determined from the user's departure location as set forth in any active PNRs.
• In another embodiment with reference toFIG. 8,system1 uses both historical data, as well as information contained in the active PNR foruser104, to determine what travel-related products are presented to the user. For example, assume data within the active PNR indicatesuser104 is traveling to the United Kingdom during the summer.System1 analyzes data contained indatabase servers50 andGDS44 corresponding to travel-related products previously purchased by other travelers in relation to the United Kingdom during the summer.System1 then presents touser104 either the same or similar products purchased most often by other travelers for the same destination and season as “most popular” items.System1 also analyzes data contained indatabase servers50 andGDS44 corresponding to the travel-related products purchased specifically byuser104 in the past and presents similar products to the user.System1 also optimizes the travel-related products presented touser104 based on other information contained in the user's active PNR. For instance,system1 offersuser104 certain travel-related products if the user is traveling first class, alone, during the winter, on a business trip, but offers certain other products if the user is traveling coach, with a family, during the summer, on vacation. Additionally,system1 promotes other travel-related products based on other criteria. For example, if certain travel-related products are part of a distressed inventory, offer better commissions, or are promotional items,system1 makes these items more noticeable when presenting them touser104.User104 is then able to purchase the optimized travel-related products in the same manner as described above.System1 may also use the exact destination location to further tailor the travel-related products offered to the traveler. For example, if the PNR associated to the traveler includes information regarding a hotel (or any exact location that can be embodied by an address, a longitude and latitude coordinate, or a global positioning satellite coordinate),system1 may interpret the hotel's location within a particular city as the destination. Any list of travel-related products offered may be further customized to display products and services, such as restaurants or attractions, that are within a predetermined or particular proximity to the hotel (such as walking distance).
• While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof. The embodiments depicted are presented by way of example only and are not intended as limitations upon the present invention. Thus, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications can be made. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope and spirit thereof.

Claims (74)

1. A method for presenting travel-related products for use by a traveler comprising the steps of:

a. transmitting first data to a global distribution service, wherein said first data is capable of identifying said traveler;

b. based on said first data, accessing a record at said global distribution service corresponding to said traveler, wherein said record includes a destination and a corresponding date; and

c. based on said destination and said corresponding date contained in said record, automatically generating a list of corresponding travel-related products.

2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising the step of reserving a first travel-related product by selecting said first travel-related product from said list.

3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said destination is a connecting airport.

4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said destination is a final destination.

5. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising the step of transmitting a first set of information to said global distribution service, said first set of information is representative of said reservation of said first travel-related product, wherein said global distribution service updates said record with said first set of information.

6. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising the step of receiving a confirmation of said reservation.

7. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising the step of transferring a payment for said first travel-related product to a provider of said first travel-related product.

8. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising the step of transferring a commission for said first travel-related product to an agent responsible for said reservation of said first travel-related product.

9. The method ofclaim 2 wherein said reserving said first travel-related product is performed by at least one user, wherein said user is selected from the group consisting of an agent and said traveler.

10. The method ofclaim 6 further comprising sending said confirmation of said reservation to said traveler.

11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein said confirmation includes a voucher.

12. The method ofclaim 10 wherein said sending is performed by an agent.

13. The method ofclaim 10 where said sending is performed automatically by an electronic device.

14. The method ofclaim 2 further comprising an agent accepting a payment by said traveler.

15. The method ofclaim 14 further comprising receiving a commission from said payment, wherein said commission is collected by said agent.

16. The method ofclaim 15 wherein said collection of said commission is concurrent with said acceptance of said payment.

17. The method ofclaim 15 further comprising transferring a difference of said commission and said payment to a third-party, wherein said third-party is selected from the group consisting of a provider of said first travel-related product and an aggregator of said first travel-related product.

18. A network of computers configured to present travel-related products for use by a traveler comprising:

a. a first computer maintained by a global distribution service, said first computer configured to maintain a record corresponding to said traveler, said record including a destination and a corresponding date;

b. a second computer including a memory, said second computer configured to maintain an inventory of said travel-related products on said memory; and

c. a third computer operatively connected to said first computer and said second computer; wherein

i. said first computer is configured to transmit first data to said third computer, said first data including said destination and said corresponding date of said record; and

ii. said third computer is configured to automatically request a first list of travel-related products from said second computer based on said destination and said corresponding date, said first list of travel-related products corresponding to said destination and said corresponding date.

19. The network ofclaim 18 wherein said third computer is configured to select a first travel-related product from said first list based on a user input.

20. The network ofclaim 19 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit second data to said first computer, said second data being representative of said selection.

21. The network ofclaim 20 wherein said first computer is configured to add at least a portion of said second data to said record.

22. The network ofclaim 19 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit second data to said second computer, said second data being representative of said selection.

23. The network ofclaim 22 wherein said second computer is configured to add at least a portion of said second data to said memory.

24. The network ofclaim 18 wherein said inventory is contained in a database on said memory.

25. The network ofclaim 19 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit a confirmation of said selection to said traveler.

26. The network ofclaim 19 wherein said third computer is configured to accept second data from a user, said second data being representative of a payment for said first travel-related product.

27. The network ofclaim 26 further comprising a fourth computer maintained by a financial intermediary, wherein said fourth computer is operatively connected to said third computer, said fourth computer being configured to receive said second data from said third computer.

28. The network ofclaim 26 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit said second data to said first computer.

29. The network ofclaim 26 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit said second data to said second computer.

30. The network ofclaim 18 further comprising:

a. a fourth computer maintained by a provider of said travel-related products, wherein said fourth computer includes a memory containing a second inventory of said travel-related products, said fourth computer being operatively connected to said second computer and said third computer;

b. wherein said second computer is configured to:

i. automatically request a second list of said travel-related products based on said destination and said corresponding date; and

ii. incorporate said second list into said first list.

31. The network ofclaim 30 wherein said third computer is configured to select a first travel-related product from said first list based on a user input.

32. The network ofclaim 31 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit second data to said first computer, said second data being representative of said selection.

33. The network ofclaim 32 wherein said first computer is configured to add at least a portion of said second data to said record.

34. The network ofclaim 31 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit second data to said second computer, said second data being representative of said selection.

35. The network ofclaim 34 wherein said second computer is configured to add at least a portion of said second data to said memory.

36. The network ofclaim 31 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit second data to said fourth computer, said second data being representative of said selection.

37. The network ofclaim 31, wherein said third computer is configured to:

a. accept second data from a user, wherein said second data is representative of a payment for said selection; and

b. transmit said second data to said fourth computer.

38. The network ofclaim 31 wherein said third computer is configured to transmit a confirmation of said selection to said traveler and to said fourth computer.

39. The network ofclaim 18 wherein said third computer is operated by said traveler.

40. The network ofclaim 30 wherein said third computer is operated by said traveler.

41. A method for reserving travel-related products for use by a traveler comprising the steps of:

a. extracting a destination and a corresponding date from a record maintained by a global distribution service, wherein said record corresponds to said user;

b. automatically requesting said travel-related products from a plurality of providers of said travel-related products, wherein said request is based on said destination and said corresponding date;

c. responsively generating a list of said plurality of travel-related products; and

d. reserving a first said travel-related product from said list for said traveler.

42. The method ofclaim 41 further comprising the step of adding information representative of said reservation to said record.

43. The method ofclaim 41 further comprising the step of transferring a payment to a first said provider, wherein said first provider offers said first travel-related product.

44. The method ofclaim 41 further comprising the step of sending a confirmation of said reservation to said traveler.

45. The method ofclaim 44 further comprising the step of accepting said confirmation in exchange for said first travel-related product.

46. The method ofclaim 45 further comprising the steps of:

a. validating said confirmation as a verification of said acceptance; and

b. transferring a payment to said first provider based on said validation.

47. The method ofclaim 41 wherein said automatic request includes selecting a subset of an inventory of travel-related products, said subset being defined by said destination and said corresponding date.

48. The method ofclaim 47 wherein said inventory is maintained in a database.

49. The method ofclaim 41 wherein said automatic request includes requesting a subset of an inventory maintained by said plurality of providers, said request being defined by said destination and said corresponding date.

50. A system for presenting travel-related products for use by a traveler comprising:

a. a record maintained by a global distribution service, wherein said record corresponds to said traveler and contains a destination and a corresponding date;

b. a first memory containing a first inventory of said travel-related products; and

c. a processor operatively connected to said global distribution service and in communication with said first memory, said processor configured to:

i. receive said destination and said corresponding date of said record from said global distribution service; and

ii. automatically request a first list of said travel-related products from said first inventory of travel said-related products based on said destination and said corresponding date.

51. The system ofclaim 50 wherein said first inventory of said travel-related products is maintained in a database on said first memory.

52. The system ofclaim 50 further comprising a second memory in communication with said processor and containing a second set of said travel-related products in communication with said processor, wherein said processor is configured to automatically request a second list of said travel-related products from said second set of said travel-related products based on said destination and said corresponding date.

53. The system ofclaim 52 where said second set of travel-related products is maintained in a catalog on said second memory.

54. The system ofclaim 50 wherein:

a. said processor is configured to:

i. select a first travel-related product from said first list based on an input from a user; and

ii. transmit first data to said global distribution service, wherein said first data is representative of said selection; and

b. wherein said global distribution service adds at least a portion of said first data to said record.

55. The system ofclaim 54 wherein said processor is configured to add said first data to said first memory.

56. The system ofclaim 52 wherein:

a. said processor is configured to:

i. incorporate said second list into said first list;

ii. select a first travel-related product from said first list based on an input from a user;

iii. transmit first data to said global distribution service, wherein said first data is representative of said selection; and

iv. add at least a first portion of said first data to said second memory; and

b. wherein said global distribution service adds at least a second portion of said data to said record.

57. The system ofclaim 52 wherein said processor communicates with said first memory and said second memory through the use of an application programming interface.

58. A method for presenting travel-related products for use by a traveler comprising the steps of:

a. generating a first list of said travel-related products corresponding to an input provided by a user, wherein said input includes at least a destination and a date;

b. purchasing a first said travel-related product from said first list, wherein said first travel-related product corresponds to said destination and said date;

c. creating a record maintained by a global distribution service, said record includes first data representative of said first purchase of said first travel-related product, wherein said first data includes said destination and said date;

d. extracting said destination and said date from said record; and

e. automatically generating a second list of said travel-related products based on said destination and said date from said record.

59. The method ofclaim 58 further comprising the steps of:

a. purchasing a second said travel-related product from said second list; and

b. adding second data to said record, wherein said second data is representative of said second purchase of said second travel-related product.

60. The method ofclaim 58 wherein the method is performed through the use of an application programming interface.

61. An inventory control system for managing an inventory of travel-related products offered by a provider for use by a traveler comprising:

a. an electronic network;

b. a first processor operatively connected to said network;

c. a memory in communication with said first processor, said memory capable of storing data representative of said inventory; and

d. a display operatively connected to said network;

e. wherein said first processor is configured to:

i. receive first data from said provider over said network, wherein said first data is representative of a first travel-related product;

ii. add said first data to said memory;

iii. transmit said first data to said display;

iv. receive second data representative of a payment information for purchase of said first travel-related product;

v. create a voucher corresponding to said payment information and to said first travel-related product, wherein said voucher contains a validation code; and

vi. transmit said voucher to said traveler.

62. The inventory control system ofclaim 61 wherein said display is remotely located relative to said first processor over said network.

63. The inventory control system ofclaim 61 further comprising an input operatively connected to said network, said input configured to accept said payment information from a user.

64. The inventory control system ofclaim 63 further comprising a second processor operatively connected to said network, said second processor configured to:

a. receive said payment information from said input; and

b. transmit said second data representative of said payment information to said first processor.

65. The inventory control system ofclaim 61 wherein said first processor is configured to:

a. receive third data representative of said validation code; and

b. verify said validation code.

66. The inventory control system ofclaim 65 wherein said first processor is configured to transmit fourth data representative of a payment to said provider for said first travel-related product based on said verification.

67. The inventory control system ofclaim 66 further comprising a second processor operatively connected to said network, said second processor configured to:

a. receive said fourth data from said first processor; and

b. apply said payment to said provider for said first travel-related product.

68. The inventory control system ofclaim 61 wherein said first processor is configured to:

a. receive third data representative of said first travel-related product, wherein said third data differs from said first data; and

b. update said first data on said memory with said second set of data.

69. A computer program embodied in a tangible medium, said computer program presenting travel-related products for use by a traveler, said computer program performing the following steps:

a. transmitting first data capable of identifying said traveler to a global distribution service;

b. receiving at least a portion of a record maintained by said global distribution service, said record corresponding to said traveler, wherein said portion includes a destination and a date; and

c. automatically generating a list of said travel-related products based on said destination and said date.

70. The computer program ofclaim 69 further performing the following steps:

a. automatically transmitting second data representative of said destination and said date to a provider upon receipt of said portion; and

b. receiving third data representative of at least one of said travel-related products offered by said provider, wherein said at least one travel-related product corresponds to said destination and said date.

71. The computer program ofclaim 70 further performing the following steps:

a. displaying said list; and

b. accepting a selection of an item of said list.

72. The computer program ofclaim 71 further performing the following step:

a. transmitting fourth data representative of said selection, wherein said fourth data also includes data capable of identifying said traveler.

73. The computer program ofclaim 71 further performing the following step:

a. updating said record to include fourth data representative of said selection.

74. The computer program ofclaim 69 wherein the steps are performed through the use of an application programming interface.

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